Modular frame systems

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for a modular frame system. The frame system provides flexibility and ease in configuring a visual display. In embodiments, the frame system may include additional elements such as whiteboards, magnetic boards, shelves, and the like.

REFERENCE TO PRIORITY PATENT APPLICATION

The present application is a non-provisional patent. application of Ser. No. 61/684055, filed on Aug. 16, 2012. The present non-provisional application claims priority to the referenced provisional application, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the disclosure herein and to the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright 2012-2013, Jeffery L. Jackson, All Rights Reserved,

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention pertains generally to frames, and relates more particularly to modular frame systems.

2. Related Art

Advances in photography, desktop publishing, and printing have resulted in an increase in the creation photos and visual art. Although the creation and printing of the photos and visual art is easier, more accessible, and less expensive, limitations still exist. One of the principal limitations is displaying the photos or visual art. Although the are frames and stands, these items tend to be of fixed size and configurations. The fixed sizes and limited configurations place constraints on the displaying of visual content. One can obtain frames of different sizes and configurations but typically such non-standard items must be custom made and can be expensive. Accordingly, what is needed are modular frame systems that can readily provide a variety of configuration and size display options and that do not require the typical specialized, custom-build drawbacks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts the front, side, and bottom views of a frame system component according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the frame portion of FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of clip according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the frame system and a detailed view of a part of the frame system and the clips according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a back view of the frame system of FIG. 4 and a cross-section view of a clip portion in the frame system according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of the frame system of FIG. 4 and a detailed view clips in the frame system according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a spring clip with slots to facilitate hanging according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of as hanging mount according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a configured modular frame system according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a view of an alternative fastening or clamping ping mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be practiced without these details. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, described below, may be implemented in a variety of ways. Accordingly, the figures described herein are illustrative of specific embodiments of the invention and are meant to avoid obscuring the invention.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment,” “preferred embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention and may be in more than one embodiment. The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or embodiments. The use of certain terms in various places in the specification is for illustration and should not be construed as limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention presented herein will be described using photographs and other visual art examples. These examples are provided by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. One of ordinary skill in the art shall also recognize the general applicability of the present inventions to other applications.

Overview

In embodiments, the modular frame system comprises one or more modular frame portions and one or more fasteners or fastening means for attaching the modular frames together. In embodiments, the modular frame portions receive a picture (or portion thereof), art work (or portion thereof), or other display or functional items. Examples of other display or functional items include, but are not limited to, corkboard, whiteboard, glass, magnetic board, electronic display, shelves, lighting, and the like. As explained in more detail below, the modularity of the frame system allows flexibility and creativity in being connected and configured together. Thus, an end user may configure the overall frame structure as he or she dictates.

Frame Components

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a modular frame portion or component 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. Shown in FIG. 1 are front, side, and bottom views of a modular frame component. The modular frame component 100 in FIG. 1 is square, but other regular and irregular shapes may be used. In embodiments, the frames may be made of wood, metal, composite, plastic, or other suitable material or materials. In embodiments, the frames may be injected molded and allow for a substructure backing to be precisely made both to fit the frame and to provide structural support. In embodiments, different substructure backings may he used, including but not limited to corrugated backing, cardboard, cardstock, wood, composites, metal, plastic, acrylic, and foam core. In embodiments, the photo or other visual display element may be attached to the substructure backing. Alternatively, the photo or other visual display element may he positioned between substructure elements, such as a transparent a material and another backing material, in yet other embodiments, the photo or other visual display element may be positioned behind a transparent or partially transparent material only. In such embodiments, the transparent or partially transparent material acts as the substructure backing material. In embodiments, the photo or other visual display element may be attached via an adhesive material to the transparent or partially transparent material, backing, a hacking substructure, or some combination thereof. In embodiments, the photo or other visual display element may be printed directly on the transparent or partially transparent material, a backing, a backing substructure, or some combination thereof. In embodiments, the substructure backing board may be configured to he double-sided, reversible, or both.

In embodiments, different frames may be configured to be clipped together. FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the example frame portion 100 of FIG. 1, which represents an embodiment of the present invention. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an interior portion (Detail A) 210 of the frame portion 100, according to embodiment the present invention. In embodiments, the frame portion 100 comprises a set of sides or members (e.g., member 215). In embodiments, the side members may include a channel 230 to receive the display item and the substructure backing. The channel helps secure the display element and substructure and contributes to the overall support structure of the frame.

In embodiments, a fastening or connection mechanism is used to secure one frame portion to another. In embodiments, the fastener may be a clip, such as a springform clip, which is used on the back side of the frames. In embodiments, the clips secure the frames tightly together, as well as secure the display items into the frames. This combined with structure of the substructure hackings create solid but lightweight structures.

In embodiments that use clips such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the frame 100 may include clip guides (e.g., 220) that form clip channels (e.g., 225). The clip guides may be created by having a raised ridge that runs across, or partially across, the side member width. The clip channels (e.g., 225) may configured to be of a size that mates with a clip. One of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that the clip channels provide a number of benefits. For example, the clip channels help add to the overall strength and eliminate issues of frame components slipping. Also, when aligning frames into a large frame system, the clip channels act as metering units. It shall be noted that features of the frame portion, such as the channel 230 and clip guides 220 are optional.

In embodiments, a frame portion may include one or more hanging, mounting, or displaying mechanisms. FIG. 7 shows an example of a clip 705 that includes slots 710 for receiving the head of nails, screws, rivets, or the like to secure the frame to a wall or stand. One of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that several methods may be used when mounting each frame individually or while the frames are connected, in embodiments, one or more small hangers may be used in conjunction with each framing system. An example of such a hanger 805 is shown in FIG. 8, which hanger 805 includes a slot 810 for receiving the head of nails, screws, rivets, or the like tor securing the frame to a wall or stand. In embodiments, these hangers may be mounted with peel and stick adhesive to the inside of the frame/frames, although other attachment mechanisms may be used. In embodiments, the clips include enough space 815 to utilize double-sided adhesive to affix to the frame. In an alternative embodiment, a key detail may exist on the back of the lips that would allow for mounting.

Connector/Fasteners

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a spring, clip 300 according to embodiments of the present invention. The spring clip 300 serves as the fastening mechanism in the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the clip 300 is formed of a spring material, such as steel although other materials may be used. The clip 300 may be single piece or made of a plurality of pieces. The clip 300 contains lever arms (e.g., 305) that allow a user to squeeze the left and right lever arms toward the center of the clip. In so doing, a channel or slot 310 opens larger. The slot 310 is configured to receive the sides of two frames. Once the pressure on the lever arms (e.g., 305) is released, the channel 310 closes and puts compressive pressure on the two frames within the channel. This pressure holds the frames securely together. In embodiments, the clip includes a portion 315 that is configured to align with frame clip guides 220. FIG. 10 depicts a view of an alternative fastening or clamping mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a set of six frames (in as 2×3 configuration) held together by a set of clips 300 according to embodiments of the present invention. Detail B in FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of an intersection of four frames. In the depicted embodiment, Detail B 410 shows four clips holding the four frames together. Also depicted in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 (Detail 13) is the alignment of the edges of the clip portion 315 with the clip guides 220.

FIG. 5 depicts a back view of the set of six frames in FIG. 4 according to embodiments of the present invention. Also depicted in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, Section C-C, of the grip of a clip 300. As shown in section view C-C, a frame on the left (100-L) is securely held to a frame on the right (100-R) by clip 300 through its compressive force exerted in slot 310. In embodiments, the clip end is configured at a distance 505 away from the front edge of the frame so as to provide three to hold the display item and substructure backing into place. FIG. 6 depicts a front view of as set of six frames in FIG. 4 according to embodiments of the present invention. Depicted in FIG. 6 is a detailed view, view of the front view of the clip 300.

Modular Frame System Alternative Embodiments

One of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that other fastener or connectors may, additionally or alternatively, be used. In embodiments, bolts, screws, rivets, and the like may be used. For example, nylon bolts may he used and the frames may include holes designed into the frames to facilitate receiving, the bolts. Alternatively, a channel-lock or groove-and-tongue mechanism could be built into the frame to allow interlocking of frames. For example, in embodiments, a key shape may be designed on the backside of the frame and an injected molded part may be slid on that detail to secure the frames together.

One of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that such a modular frame system is capable of a great deal of flexibility. In embodiments, the frame portions are designed to work together and may be offered in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and colors. FIG. 9 depicts an example of a frame system comprising a number of frame portions. It shall be noted that the frame system may be configured to display one or more images or items. In the depicted embodiment, two different images (Image A and Image B) are displayed as well as other items (e.g., a whiteboard). In embodiments, the visible portion of the frame (e.g., 905) may be of varying widths. In embodiments, the visible portion of the frame (e.g., 905) may be made small and/or clear so as to minimize the discontinuity between image segments of the same image. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, it should be noted that the flexibility of the frame system allows it be configured to cover large spaces contiguous spaces (e.g. Image A) but may also be configured to include open spaces e.g., 910).

It should also be noted that there are different ways to offer the frames other than different sizes, shapes, materials, and colors. In embodiments, the frames are designed to have the images loaded from the backside of the frame. In alternative embodiments, the framing system takes advantage of the clip attachment, but rather than loading the images from the back of the frame, the images are configured into a box-top configuration. For example, in embodiments, the images may he printed flat, but after printing, the images are cut such that the four sides can he folded down at 90 degrees (flapped). The leading edges of the image, the edges which were folded down, are fit into matching grooves designed into the front of the frame. The grooves are deep enough and provide enough compressive force to provide retention to the frame edge as it is forced into it. In embodiments, an individual image has consistent flaps, but between images the flap lengths may vary. In embodiments, an individual image may have different flap lengths may vary to create different angled front surfaces.

Also, as noted previously, taking advantage of the modularity, embodiments of the modular frame may receive a picture (or portion thereof), art work (or portion thereon, or other display or functional items. Examples of other display or functional items include, but are not limited to, corkboard, white board, glass, magnetic board, electronic display, shelves, lighting, and the like. For example, in embodiments, all or part of the frame may be made of a semi-translucent material with added backlighting. Or, for example, the frames could have whiteboards and/or magnetic boards thereby allowing for a user to custom configure the frame into a “message center.” In further embodiments, the frame system allows for people to have custom “friend-center boards” or topic-specific boards or sections.

In embodiments, the frame system may function in conjunction with an application to divide an image according to the frame configuration desired by the end user. The image may be printed by a service or by a user's printer and put into the frame system.

In embodiments, one or more of the displayed images may be printed or include an augmented reality code. A person may use a laptop, phone, or other computing device to augment their viewing of the framed display using the augmented reality code. This can allow a user to link multimedia content to an image. For example, music or a video may be linked to the display of a picture. Interactive content may also be linked to the framed display.

It should be noted that modular frame system that offers a variety of configuration and combinations and may be used for frames, notices, signs, displays, and the like. In embodiments, the frame system may be configured for indoor or outdoor use. It shall also he noted that another benefit of the modular frame system is that it can be easily changed, re-configured, and/or stored.

The modular frame system provides a strong and aesthetically appealing frame for configuring and displaying visual content—but at very affordable costs. Furthermore, the modularity allows an end-user to creatively configure and arrange the visual presentation.

It will be appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art that the preceding examples and embodiment are exemplary and not limiting to the scope of the present invention. It is intended that all permutations, enhancements, equivalents, combinations, and improvements thereto that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings are included within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. 

I claim:
 1. A modular frame system comprising: a plurality of modular frame portions, each modular frame portion including a backing substructure and a plurality of side members, the side members including a channel to receive the backing substructure, the side members also including a plurality of clip guides forming clip channels in the side members, each modular frame portion also including a hanging, mounting, or displaying mechanism; and a fastening mechanism configured to removably attach together at least one side member of at least two different modular frame portions it the clip channels of each of the at least one side member.
 2. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fastening mechanism is a spring clip.
 3. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the spring clip includes lever arms configured to open the spring clip.
 4. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the listening mechanism is a clip configured to attached with a bolt, screw, or rivet.
 5. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fastening mechanism includes a slot to receive both of the side members of the least two different modular frame portions.
 6. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of modular frame portions are of different dimensions.
 7. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of modular frame portions are fabricated from a material from the group: wood, metal, composite, and plastic.
 8. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hacking substructure is fabricated from a material from the group: corrugated hacking, cardboard, cardstock, wood, composites, metal, plastic, acrylic, and foam core.
 9. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fastening mechanism is a groove-and-tongue mechanism built into the plurality of modular frame portions.
 10. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the modular frame system is configured to display an image. 